Local Mardi Gras celebration raises funds to help homeless children

On Tuesday you can celebrate Mardi Gras right here in the Tri-State and help support a good cause.

The 21st annual "Mardi Gras For Homeless Children" is Tuesday at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington. It's hosted by the Northern Kentucky Restaurant Association. From 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. you can enjoy dinner, drinks and entertainment, provided by local restaurants and chefs.

This year, the event's proceeds will benefit four shelters: Bethany House Services, Cincinnati; Brighton Center's Homeward Bound, Covington; Mercy Franciscan at St. John, Cincinnati and Welcome House of Northern Kentucky, Inc., Covington.

Mardi Gras for Homeless Children was created by Northern Kentucky Restaurant Association in 1992. To date, the event has raised more than $1,000,000.

Tickets cost $55 per person, and there are other sponsorship levels available for groups and local businesses. You can buy tickets online.

Tickets are also available at these Benefiting Agencies:

• BETHANY HOUSE SERVICES- 513-921-1131
• BRIGHTON CENTER'S HOMEWARD BOUND- 859-581-1111
• MERCY FRANCISCAN AT ST. JOHN- 513-981-5800
• WELCOME HOUSE OF NORTHERN KENTUCKY- 859-431-8714

For information, contact Courtney Henry at 859-291-6572 or chenry@commonwealthhotels.com .

There's more information on the event website at http://www.nkramardigras.com/ .